HYATT CENTRIC FISHERMAN'S WHARF SAN FRANCISCO Review

It was my husband's birthday and he wanted to celebrate by going to Angler in San Francisco with his dear friend who shared the same birthday month.  Our friends went early to the Exploratorium and stayed over at the Marriott using his Amex Platinum to get the gold status there. We were debating on staying here versus the Hyatt San Francisco Regency. 

Eventually, we decided it would be best to hit our Hyatt Brand Explorer (stay with 5 brands to earn one free night). So far we have stayed at Hyatt Place, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt House, and JDV by Hyatt so we needed this one Hyatt Centric to get that free night. 

We actually earned Hyatt Globalist status as of April from doing a streak of stays (more on this on a later blog), so we were excited to use our first true Globalist perks. Luckily when we were Explorists, we did get some upgrades and perks along the way. 

My husband contacted them via the app and mentioned that it was his birthday a few days prior to check-in to request for a suite upgrade. Interestingly, they said none were available but my husband decided to call them out on it saying that there's availability on the website. They got caught and said one suddenly opened up. I didn't think that would actually work and thought it was a lost cause since they had already said no.  Good for him for pushing for it! 

Getting to San Francisco

Since we are local in San Jose/Silicon Valley, we actually drove to San Francisco after dropping the kids off for grandmother and their uncles for the weekend. We are super grateful to have had the opportunity to do so. Ruckus was a good guard dog and watched the house for us. 

Costs for Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf

We spent 1 night in April Friday- Saturday and the cost for a 1 king standard room was $224/night versus 12,000 Hyatt points. This ends up being 1.8 cpp (cent per point). 

Not bad redemption but my goal is to achieve more than 2.1 cpp. Where did I get this number? I just went by Cardpointer's redemption value assumption that 1 Chase UR point is equivalent to 2.1 cents.

We were upgraded to the Executive Suite on the 3rd floor.  The price for this room was $419 so with the new calculations, it ended up being 3.5 cpp. Now that is what I'm talking about!

**Of note, I do not include tax /additional fees for a quick and dirty calculation but you can definitely account for that if using points. I would definitely save on parking costs since it's only waived on Free Night Awards/Point use. 

We use Chase Ultimate Reward points to transfer to Hyatt points (1:1) ratio.  I find that this is the best use of my Chase points---to feed for hotels at the Hyatt group.

Disclaimer: Below are my referral links and I will receive a referral bonus if you sign up them. 

Chase Sapphire Reserve/Preferred: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19m/C4HW6F5WR5

Chase Business Inks: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19m/C4HW6F5WR5

Chase Freedom Cards: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19m/C4HW6F5WR5

Checking into Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf

We went to check-in at the hotel lobby. There was no line and the person at the desk acknowledged to us that he was the one that gave us the suite upgrade. He seemed excited about it so we thanked him for helping. One key thing we noticed is that when hotel resort fees are waived, it's hit or miss if the perks from those fees are applied or not. This is why we like to check-in in person so that we can clarify before we assume any extra benefits. 

The Destination fee is $25 (Waived for Globalist) and is suppose to include the following:

• Bike Rentals with self-guided tour and map of popular sights in SF (based on availability) 
• Premium hi-speed Wi-Fi for multiple devices
• Local and 1-800 phone calls
• Usage of Business Center (printing and copy resources)
• Sustainable Water Program- Each reservations will received two reusable water bottles to be used at our water dispensing locations on each floor
• Mail/package holding & delivery (in-house), up to 5 pounds
• Retail Discount/Loyalty card to retailers in Pier 39 (present card at time of purchase for discounts)
• Special SF keepsake magnet upon departure
• 20% discount on Big Bus sightseeing Deluxe bus tickets (purchase tickets through Front Desk - up to 4 per room) 
• $2.50 off Aquarium tickets (purchase tickets through front desk - up to 4 per room)
• $2 off Exploratorium tickets (purchase tickets through Front Desk - up to 4 per room)
• Rollaway Bed Rental (oversized king or double rooms/1 per stay) first come first serve basis, availability based on room type
• $10 discount on Spin Scooter (download SPIN app to receive discount)
• 10% Discount to Napa Valley Wine Tour Train
• Game Room- Table and Arcade games available
• Board games / dice / playing card games available at front desk
• $10 F&B welcome amenity credit
• Pool Toys/Floats

To be honest, we didn't care about any of the above except the $10 F&B Credit.
We asked about that when checking in and he seemed confused. Then he said actually, for my husband's birthday, he will get an extra $100 room credit. That's definitely more than what we were hoping for so you could imagine how excited we were.

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf Hotel

Hotel Lobby

                                

                                        

Marketplace/Hotel Store

$10 F&B credit that we didn't end up getting.

Parking/Valet

Parking is valet only and is $65/night. Waived for Globalist status.  

EXECUTIVE SUITE

Here's what is posted on the site versus what I encountered:

632 SQ FTCity View

Live in the moment when you stay in this sleek suite featuring modern décor and a nautically inspired color palette. Enjoy upgraded amenities, a separate living room area with wet bar, a multifunctional workspace, and oversized windows with stunning city views. The expansive room also includes a modern bathroom with a luxurious walk-in rain shower.

IN-ROOM AMENITIES

• Hyatt Grand Bed
• 60” flat-screen HDTV
• 47” flat-screen HDTV
• Individual climate control
• Blackout shades
• Plush bathrobes upon request
• Drybar Buttercup hair dryer
• BeeKind bath amenities
• Keurig coffee maker
• Minifridge
• In-room safe
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Rollaway bed or crib upon request

The bed was not as comfortable since I woke up with a sore back but not sure if I was biased from reading the reviews on the forums ahead of time. 

Check out our "city view"! Construction was in-progress and we were not informed. There were workers working outside our windows when we arrived in the afternoon and they came back 8am the next morning. It would have been nice to get a heads up about this but I had an inkling it was still happening before arriving since I was on the Hyatt forums. 

Breakfast at the Wardroom 

Globalist - free buffet, omelets made to order

Perk $100 room credit and since we didn't make it back in time after dinner to burn them on drinks, we decided to use them on food. Ended up being $100.37 (we did good!) and the entire amount got wiped. 

We bought home 2 boxes of each. Took 2 for us and gave 2 for the kid's uncle for dropping them off to us just in time for a Sunday birthday party. 

Pool

Construction in place.

Fitness/Gym

What to do near Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf Hotel

You can hit up Fisherman's Wharf since the hotel is in the ideal location for it. Nearby there's Little Italy/North Beach, Coit Tower, Huntington Park, Dragon's Gate, Exploratorium, Embarcadero, and Union Square. We actually went window shopping on Geary and Union Street the day of arrival and that night, we wined and dined at Angler (see post later on this) and went to get a night cap over at Delah Arabian Cafe.

How To Pamper Your Dog Like A Spoiled Cat

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Cats get quite a bit of pampering, but the same isn’t always true for dogs. We tend to treat them – how should we put it? – more robustly. 

But do we have to go down this route? 

Well, not necessarily. It turns out that we can treat them from time to time and they’ll still love us. (Unlike cats, the risk of them turning into spoiled brats is minimal). So what’s to lose? 

The purpose of this article is to run through some of the ways you can pamper and take care of your dog like a cat. You’ll discover all sorts of ideas that transform how you treat them. Here’s what you need to know: 

Provide Gourmet Treats

You don’t just have to give your dog bits of old pasta you couldn’t quite finish the night before. Treating your pooch’s taste buds from time to time can get them coming back for more. 

Granted, gourmet treats for dogs are a little different than those for humans, but they contain the same basic ingredients, like fatty meats, vegetables, and some fruits. Dogs can also eat special baked goods, as long as they don’t contain too many grains and have sufficient fiber. Making treats for dogs is significantly more straightforward than for cats who have rigid diets. (Dogs are much more omnivorous and don’t need to subsist on meat alone). 

Give Them Personalized Toys

You can also pamper dogs like they are cats by giving them personalized toys. Adjusting their play spaces keeps them mentally engaged and happy, even when not exercising. 

People spend a fortune on providing cats with scratching posts and cognitive aids. Dogs, for the most part, have to put up with sticks their owners find in the park. 

Break with this tradition and find out what makes your dogs happy. Experiment with different toys to see which they enjoy the most. 

Groom and Brush Them Regularly

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You can also pamper your dog like a cat by grooming and brushing them regularly. Removing the various mats and tangles in their fur can make them feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of parasites, like ticks and fleas. 

If your dog is a little older, introduce grooming slowly. Don’t force them into an hour-long session immediately. It could make them feel uncomfortable. 

Also, ensure you use a gentle massage brush. Don’t use a human hair brush as it is unhygienic and can cause unpleasant tugging that hurts them. 

If your dog is used to grooming, you can also give them a warm bath with pet shampoo and conditioner. While it can be scary for animals who aren’t used to it, afterward they feel light, fluffy, and refreshed. Most pooches will simply go to sleep. 

Add Massage To Your Dog’s Routine

You can also try adding massage to your dog’s routine. Gently rubbing their paws can calm them down and provide them with the physical contact they require to remain mentally healthy.

Some vendors sell pet-safe massage oils. These help your fingers move over their fur more easily, letting you get at the muscle below. 

Remember, most healthy dogs are significantly leaner than people. Therefore, you should be able to feel the muscles and bones more easily. However, it can take some time to figure out where the muscle tissue is, as it is also quite hard. 

Try to avoid massaging the bones as this can cause your dog discomfort. Feel around the neck, back, and legs for their muscle pads and press into them to reduce tension and stress. 

The best time to massage your dog is after exercise. Timing it right will often cause them to fall asleep, rest and relax. 

Provide Them With A Cat Flap

You can also pamper your dog like a cat by providing them with a flap, or a sliding glass with a dog door. These are much bigger than conventional cat flaps but give dogs the same freedom to go outside when they want and explore the garden. 

Of course, you’ll need to make sure your dog is safe in the backyard. But giving them this extra freedom means they will exercise themselves throughout the day and let off steam when you aren’t there. 

Give Them A Spa Area

You can also modify your home for extra pampering by giving your dog a spa-like area. Adding various scents like lavender and chamomile can calm them down and make them more likely to follow your instructions. 

Some cat owners give their feline friends spa areas in the hope that they will love them. That’s not necessary for dogs, but it can be a nice addition to your home. Plus, you can spend time there, too, whenever you want to unwind after work. 

Other additions include playing calming music (proven to help dogs relax) and adding lots of comfortable seating and dog beds. Just keep candles out of jumping range for safety reasons. (Dogs aren’t that great with fire). 

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Engage Their Sense Of Smell

As you probably know, dogs interpret the world through their sense of smell. Therefore, you can also pamper them by getting them involved in activities that use this sense. Dogs love sniffing trails and finding their way to delicious treats at the end of their adventures. 

These smell enrichment exercises can seem counterintuitive to us, but dogs love them. Just hide food around the garden or at dog level in the house and set them loose. Pups will quickly find and consume it. 

You can also add puzzles to engage your dog’s intellect. Solving problems to get food keeps them sharp and protects them against the ravages of age-related diseases. Smart dogs will often surprise you with the inventive methods they use. 

Give Them One-On-One Cuddles

You can also pamper your dog like a cat by giving them cuddles. Like people, dogs need others to be close to them, be they other dogs or humans. 

Giving dogs a one-on-one cuddle can actually have bigger effects than for cats. While our feline friends enjoy a bit of contact here and there, dogs enjoy it all the time. Touching them creates personal bonding and increases trust, which can be great if your animal isn’t used to being around people or you just collected them from the shelter. 

Give Them Personalized Toys

Alongside personalized fun and games, you can also give dogs toys that stretch their cognitive and social skills. Toys that dispense treats are a great option and can keep them entertained for hours while you watch a film or settle down for the evening. 

Many manufacturers make these toys, which is extremely helpful if you’re one of those people who has a hectic lifestyle. However, you can also make them yourself using instructions online, giving your dog a challenge. Toys stuffed with treats can be a great way to get into your dog’s good books (if you weren’t there already!)

Play Tug-Of-War

Granted, cats don’t enjoy tug-of-war games, but dogs love them and will fight you all day long if given half a chance. You can also play chase games with your dog around the yard if it is safe to do so. 

Just make sure you don’t harm their teeth. Pulling too hard on a rope can cause you to accidentally pull them out, necessitating a sudden trip to the dentist. 

Sit With Them In The Shade

If it’s a sunny day, you can also pamper your dog by sitting with them in the shade. Dogs love lounging around outdoors, especially when other people are there. 

If your dog likes being outside in all seasons, then adding a few heat lamps to your patio area can help. These blast out energy, helping to keep them warm during the winter months, and giving them more opportunities to be outside if the park is closed off due to heavy snow. 

Celebrate Their Birthday

Cats love it when you celebrate their birthday (though they don’t act like it!) But dogs enjoy it, too. Throwing them a birthday bash can be a wonderful way to build a connection and provide them with an excuse to run wild. 

Bringing other dogs to the event can make it much more fun, as can baking a cake. You can also arrange for your furry friend to play various games and enjoy themselves in the home. Don’t forget to base the whole experience around what they can sense through their noses. 

Conclusion

When it comes to pampering your dog, you have plenty of options. However, you’ll want to experiment and find an approach that works best for your pup’s needs and preferences. Remember, dogs can be quite different from each other, especially as they get older, so you’ll want to choose activities for them carefully.

Don’t try to pamper them in exactly the same way as a cat. While feline friends enjoy sitting on high perches and lording it over everyone around them, dogs much prefer to snuggle up in dog beds, or even on the sofa close to you. 

The 5 Essentials for Choosing the Right Pet Food

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Our pets are our best friends and when we look after them properly, by giving them the things they need, we will reap the rewards. One of the most crucial aspects of their health is, of course, the food they consume, but the problem is that the market is flooded with pet food options which can make the decision overwhelming. Let's show you some of the essential factors to consider when choosing the right pet foods that align with their nutrition and well-being.

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Considering Supplements

Some pets have specific health concerns that require additional supplementation. While many pet supplement manufacturing companies are on the market, you've got to drill down and look at the specific conditions that may or may not require something extra. If your dog is prone to concerns like hip dysplasia, a supplement that contains chondroitin and glucosamine may be an essential route. But we need to consult with our vet to determine not just the supplements, but also the appropriate dosage.

Being Aware of Allergens

Pets can have food allergies and/or sensitivities just like us. If your pet is exhibiting any signs of allergies such as digestive problems, itching, or lethargy, you may want to determine if there is an allergen to products like wheat, soy, or certain proteins. Incorporating a diet with limited ingredients or pursuing an elimination diet may be a tactical response here.

Consulting the Ingredients List  

A very simple but effective approach. We should always look for high-quality protein sources and avoid foods that come with preservatives, artificial additives, or excessive fillers. Some pet foods can bypass regulations by listing generic terms such as "meat by-products" and choosing foods that have specific meat sources can make all of the difference.

Understanding Your Pet's Unique Needs

Different breeds, sizes, and ages can result in various nutritional requirements. For example, a puppy will require specific formulations to facilitate growth in comparison to a senior dog that may not require calorie-dense food. Likewise, understanding all of the essential nutrients for your pet's health will be invaluable. Much like us, protein is crucial for muscle development, fats provide an abundance of energy and a variety of vitamins and minerals will contribute to efficient bodily functions.

Adjusting Intake Accordingly

Depending on your pet's energy levels, they may need a higher calorie content and likewise, more sedentary pets should not be overfed, which can result in obesity and other health-related issues. It's important that we monitor our pet's weight and adjust portions accordingly, while also giving them nutrient-dense and minimally processed food. If you are making changes to your pet's diet you should do so gradually, as this will minimize digestive upset. Mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food gradually over the course of a week can help minimize digestive problems and help your pet acclimatize to the new diet.

Choosing the right pet food, as well as having an understanding of your pet's unique needs and nutrients, will ensure you can make informed decisions that will contribute to your pet's health and well-being.